eduSHARE from Suriname | The Flag Parade as a sign of unity
Pauline Van Belegem and Vere Bevernage, two final-year students in the Bachelor’s program for primary education at VIVES University of Applied Sciences, completed an internship at a primary school in Suriname in the spring of 2024. During their internship, they participated several times in the ‘Flag Parade’ and witnessed its positive impact on the students. They decided to further explore this topic as part of their eduSHARE project.
The Flag Parade
The Flag Parade is a moment of gathering and unity for the entire school. Students and teachers assemble, observe a moment of silence, sing the national anthem, and thus start the day together in a perfect way.
Link to practice in Belgium
Although Pauline and Vere are convinced of the many positive effects of the Flag Parade, they concluded that this is not feasible in Belgium. Belgium lacks the sense of duty and national unity required for such a ceremony. However, what they do take away from their experience is the importance of unity and the joy of shared activities.
- Picture book of the month
Every week, all classes come together to thoroughly discuss a picture book. Afterwards, the students return to their classrooms and work on the picture book for a week or even an entire month. This doesn’t have to be a daily activity, but it should certainly be discussed.
The teacher can re-read the story and discuss its meaning. Then, the students, together with the teacher, can come up with activities related to the book, such as crafts, plays, or drawings. At the end of the month, everyone gathers again to discuss what they have done, fostering a sense of connection between the students and the different classes.
- Object of the month
This concept is similar to the previous one but with an object instead. All classes receive an object, such as a flowerpot, a wooden spoon, or a towel, and they work with it.
For example, kindergarteners can paint the flowerpot and plant flowers in it. First graders can creatively explore the word ‘flowerpot’. The sixth grade can make a large scarecrow for the garden. At the end of the month, the classes present their creations to each other.
- Learning a song
Kindergarteners all learn the same song at their own level. At the end of the week, they sing it together. This enhances the energy and unity between the different classes and helps the school grow as a whole.
